Gabon Reiterates Backing of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, Deepens Cooperation

Rabat – Gabon has renewed its strong support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, describing the Moroccan autonomy plan as “the only credible and realistic solution” to the regional dispute. 

The Central African country reiterated this position today in Rabat during a joint press conference between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marie Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny.

“I would like to reaffirm Gabon’s attachment to the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco over its entire territory, including the Sahara region,” The Gabonese minister said.

She also lauded the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, saying it reinforces the autonomy initiative as the sole serious, credible, and lasting basis for reaching a political solution to the conflict.

Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny noted that Gabon’s position aligns with growing international support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. She also pointed to Gabon’s decision to open a consulate general in Laayoune in January 2020 as concrete evidence of its commitment to this stance and to the strengthening of bilateral ties.

The Gabonese minister noted that her country’s position is part of a broader international dynamic under the leadership of King Mohammed VI in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.

Beyond the Sahara issue, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in key areas of economic and human development.

Expanded scholarships for Gabonese students

Bourita announced that the number of scholarships granted to students from Gabon will increase from 150 to 180. He said the scholarships will cover both academic studies and professional training, aiming to support Gabon’s sustainable development priorities.

In addition, both ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, agribusiness, infrastructure, digitalization, and artificial intelligence.

They also discussed the importance of greater involvement from the private sector to boost economic partnership and investment between the two countries. The ministers expressed their shared ambition to elevate Moroccan-Gabonese relations to a more advanced strategic level, based on mutual trust, solidarity, and shared development goals.

The two sides agreed on the need to convene the joint cooperation commission in the coming months to support this objective. They also called for revitalizing the Morocco-Gabon Business Council and organizing an economic forum to enhance trade and support Gabon’s efforts to diversify its economy.

During the talks, the Gabonese minister also commended the initiatives King Mohammed VI has been leading to promote Africa’s development. She particularly spotlighted the momentum behind the Atlantic African States Process, which seeks to establish the Atlantic African space as a strategic framework for cooperation in areas such as food security, health, energy, environment, and logistics.

Both ministers also welcomed the King’s initiative to facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean as they noted its strategic importance and its role in strengthening regional solidarity and economic integration.

Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny commended Morocco’s leadership and contribution to international efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development across Africa. She expressed Gabon’s readiness to further expand cooperation with Morocco across multiple sectors.

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